Not Your Mamma's Clorox - Now Eco-Friendly & Green 25

A growing trend for established trusted brands seems to be going green or at least trying to add some Eco-friendliness to their image. As more and more consumers become aware of ingredients and chemicals used to manufacture many of the products on grocers shelves, a new urgency to find natural based alternatives has moved from what was once considered a frivolous choice to a well thought-out lifestyle change.

Clorox, a well known manufacturer of household bleach and disinfecting wipes, heeded the cries from consumers for a laundry detergent and line of cleaning products that were natural, safe and effective. Their product line Green Works, with new formulations full of plant based derivatives helped to propel their brand  into the Eco-friendly arena.

Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent

Available in 3 different scents Original Scent, Lavender Scent and Free & Clear.
Green Works Laundry Detergent boasts an impressive list of why this detergent is eco-friendly.
 

Features:

• Made of plant based, biodegradable ingredients
• Never tested on animals.
• Container: made of 25% post-consumer recycled plastic, classified as #2 (HDPE)^W 
• Recognized by the EPA for safer chemistry.
• Safe for all machines including  High Efficiency.
• In partnership with Sierra Club, signifying Clorox's commitment to sustainability.

Green Works Natural Stain Remover

Available in Original Scent.Not only is this stain remover natural, it has earned the prestigious Good House Seal.


Features:

• Made of plant based, biodegradable ingredients
• Never tested on animals.
• 99% natural
• Container:  classified as #2 (HDPE)
• Recognized by the EPA for safer chemistry.
• In partnership with Sierra Club, signifying Clorox's commitment to sustainability.
  

Pros
Green Monster

Green Works product line is creating a green buzz - like something fierce. I liked that both the Laundry Detergent and the Stain Remover have plant based ingredients. Recyclable and recognized by the EPA as safe chemistry make for a product you can feel good about purchasing.

Cleaning Machines

Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent worked better than I expected. It loosened ground-in dirt and made the clothes feel soft - unlike some other eco detergents I have tried, which used heavy amounts of starch, and made the clothes have a stiff scratchy feel. It was extremely concentrated, which will save you money in the long run.

Green Works Natural Stain Remover rivaled one of my favorite enzyme based stain fighters - I was pretty impressed by it's ability to break up dried-on stains - and  remove them, without a second run through the wash cycle.  The scent was pleasant and subtle.

Skin Friendly

I have mentioned before in my posts about my eczema, which makes my skin sensitive to different chemicals, essential oils or perfumes. Both of these products did not cause my eczema to flair up - which usually happens if a product contains harsh ingredients. Even when I added too much to a load - it still didn't irritate my skin.

Cons

Concentrated Means Business

Read the directions carefully - Green Works Laundry Detergent is very concentrated - use the amount specified for the size of your load. The essential oils used to scent this product can become very strong, when cycling through the wash.

I found this out the hard way and accidentally used a full cap instead of half of the cap, and the overpowering smell gave me a headache.

Conclusion

Clorox Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent and Natural Stain Remover are products showcasing Clorox's commitment to sustainability and the needs of consumers. You can feel good about purchasing them and know that they are safe for your family and the environment. These products may be well suited for you or those in your family with skin sensitivities.

Product Review: Scrubbing Bubbles' Action Scrubber 5

Recently My Mom sent me this really cool vintage counter top metal cabinet. It has 4 deep drawers on the top for storage of dry goods, and a bread box on the bottom. I had decided to position it right below my cabinet on the largest counter , which happened to be near a sink.

I really didn't think this would be a problem, forgetting that if water over flows from the sink - it tends to collect on the counter (in the area right below my new cabinet). Needless to say water did just that - and caused my beloved cabinet to rust around the bottom edges.

When I moved the cabinet - I could see the tell tale signs of a rusted mess, a deep orange rectangular outline had stained my counter top.

Needless to say, I have tried using any kind of cleaner I could get my hands on to remove this stain - nothing seemed to work, not even my beloved S.O.S scrubbing pads. This surprised me because SOS is great at removing most everything (including that baked on blackened residue on the bottom of pans, and on electric stove burner drip pans).

When I was given the chance to review Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubbers, I secretly laughed at myself - I would put these pads to the test - a trial by fire, my stained counter.

Clean Machine


Scrubbing Bubbles Action
Scrubber
Click Here
Get your $2.75 off coupon...

I received the package from Mom Central
and SC Johnson.

Contents:

The product comes with a molded heavy
foam handle

and a resealable plastic tub
with 4 scrubbing pads that are filled with
cleanser.

There were 4 really nice coupons for this
product and other scrubbing bubbles products,
also.

Directions:

Not only were
there directions on the outside packaging,
But a large font printed insert with a
reminder. Then on the plastic storage tub.
The directions are very easy to follow,
and detailed.

Product Assembly:
This product could not be any easier to use. The Assembly
consists of:

1. removing the cleanser filled pad from
   a plastic sleeve
2. applying the molded foam handle to the
   printed side of the pad and gently
   rubbing until the Velcro like strips have hooked
   into the pad.

Product Use & Performance:
Once the Action Pad has been assembled these steps are taken to use the product:

Adding a small amount of water to the pad to activate the cleanser.

Using a circular motion to scrub surface

Rinsing the cleaned surface

Discarding used pad into trash

I followed the above directions, and started to firmly apply pressure and scrub my rust stained counter top. At first I was not impressed, but then the cleanser started to activate, and fizzing bubbles were alive - moving and spanning the surface where I was scrubbing. Then slowly but surely the Action Pad was working - I could not believe this product was removing a stain that my best cleaning products couldn't. But sure enough it did!

This product isn't recommended for surfaces that can easily scratch. I would not use this pad on wood surfaces , or a natural stone counter top (such as marble or slate) due to the high likeliness of marring the protective finish that is applied to the counter top.

Product Storage:

The molded handle rests at the top of the plastic storage tub, there is a recessed area so that it fits partially inside. The scrubber pad refills are stored within the tub.

I would highly recommend if you have kids or pets to store this out of their reach. It's a fun color that might attract kids and dogs would love to chew on this handle - guaranteed.

Overall Summary:
The so called "trail by fire" that I had thought this product would most likely fail, had indeed been no match for Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber. This product is easy to assemble, use - yet gets the job done. Even though it's disposable - it has the scrubbing power of a heavy duty scouring pad. I am an eczema suffer, mainly on my hands, and this cleanser did not irritate my eczema with the small amount of contact it had with my skin.

I would highly recommend this product.

Parents: 5 Tips for having a Safe and Enjoyable Summer 4

When you are a child, the summers seems to be an mystical time that taunts you throughout the school days, tempting your thoughts with daydreams of water ponds and Popsicles, and with so much daydreaming comes the literal jump for joy that school is done. The thought that a whole summer of possibilities remains waiting around the corner - all for you!

In time school days turn to responsibilities, and you grow into an adult - but there is still something amazing about summer, that makes you believe once again there is a sun filled fun town that may invigorate your hum-drum routine...

Eventually you have a family of your own, and your little ones watch the changing seasons and with eyes of wonder they too are alive with the joys of summer...

But with summer comes allot of responsibility - to keep you and your family safe from the sweltering heat, and UV rays.

Jamie A. Freishtat, M.D and Rachel L. Schreiber, M.D., FAAAAI, are two Doctors who are also parents and together they make up Mommy Docs - a website that provides pediatric info for moms and their colleagues.

Here are 5 tips they recommend for parents to make summer more fun an less about worry...

1. Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child--daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don't forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
2. Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellent. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
3. Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it's a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
4. High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
5. Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicking in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Product Review : Screen, Inc's Tween Screen 2

As an eczema sufferer and a very allergy prone person, I am always weary of trying new lotions or creams - afraid of the onslaught of terrible itching a wrong ingredient will send my skin reeling from. Most of the time I loath even "sensitive skin" formulas because they usually cause even more irritation.

But I was pleasantly surprised when opening Screen Inc. The lotion was very lightly scented with a tropical smell. There are no heavy perfumes or chemical smells.

When I applied the lotion - my eczema was not even affected a little. I didn't get any hives or itchiness. This is pretty big considering my history with lotions and allergies.

A little of the Tween Screen went a long way to cover a larger area. The sunscreen when applied to skin was very light, and there was no greasiness whatsoever. The sunscreen went on smoothly and absorbed quickly into the skin - it didn't need to be worked in and massaged diligently like some major brand sunscreens.

Plus there are allot of botanical ingredients I felt were nice to see when going through the list of ingredients. Screen Inc. Sunscreens are all made in the USA.

Tween Screen is geared toward daily use on the face. It has a SPF of 16+. That SPF is pretty standard for facial sunscreens.

Higher SPFs are available and are recommended - but that day I forgot my sunscreen and this was handy in my purse.


Overall I felt this would be a sunscreen I could be comfortable recommending - especially for people with extremely sensitive skin - who are prone to eczema , and for tweens who are at that stage when they are just approaching puberty - this will not clog pores, or feel to greasy on their skin - and if has a very pleasant scent.

Screen Inc. Also has other sunscreen products such as Man screen, Chick Screen (for us women folk) and Teen Screen (for the active teen). You can even purchase the screen in bulk.

Food Sensitivities, Particulates, Allergens --- Oh MY! 2

Am I a gluten for punishment? Living in the Pacific Northwest ^w is wonderful, but behind every wonderful there is an unsavory side, and for me that is the dampness that gives us our lovely moss covered forests and temperate climate.

When dampness is prevalent --- so is mold, spores, pollen, dust mites....Unfortunately for me and the 9 million+ inhabitants of the PNW, we are living in an allergen nightmare. Not only do we have mold, but pollens specifically found only in this Northwest corner of the United States.

Throughout the late years of my teens and into my adulthood I have been on a roller coaster ride of allergen induced symptoms. From skin to respiratory to full on facial swelling, which recently, of course led to an emergency trip to the ER. All these symptoms were caused by a growing list of things that either fall into one of these
categories: animal, vegetable, chemical, mineral or environmental. that I am "sensitive" to or painfully allergic to.

Needless to say this has caused me to have to document any symptoms I have. I urge anyone who thinks they, or their child has an allergy to document :

1. Symptoms ? Be descriptive - whether or NOT you feel they are related to an allergy.
2. The symptoms duration - How long do these symptoms last?
3. Where were you when the symptoms occurred? The environment (inside / outdoor) (was it sunny or wet) etc. Be descriptive!
4. What were you doing when the symptoms occurred? Be descriptive (eating - what? / sleeping- on? /petting cat - long hair?) [ The product you were using (hair gel / chemicals)]

These documented events will help your doctor narrow down the cause of the allergy. And it will help you to notice any patterns - such as "wow, frank gets itchy when he chews on rutabagas..", so that you know what things to avoid, and what triggers outbreaks or symptoms.

Eliminating those allergens in your life can sometimes be overwhelming and frustrating to think about. But if you stick to an allergen journal - slowly things come into perspective, and it makes this task allot easier.

The research about allergies is staggering.


Allergy Facts:

• it is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions.^(S)
• The cost of allergies in the United States is more than $10 billion dollars yearly.^(S)
• Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) affects about 35 million Americans, 6 million of whom are children.^(S)
• Asthma affects 15 million Americans, 5 million of whom are children.^(S)
• The number of cases of asthma has doubled over the last 20 years.^(S)
• Dust Mites & their waste can remain airborne for 15 minutes, after being disturbed.
• The male/female ratio for asthma is 3:1.
• Asthma accounts for almost 5,000 deaths a year

There are some ways to combat Allergies, I have found some interesting links with some good info on allergens. Here are a few quick tips I have found helpful.

Simple Ways To Combat Common Allergens:

• Keep the home cool (between 68 and 72 degrees F);
• Maintain a low humidity (between 40 and 50%);
• Make certain there is good ventilation.
• If you have allergies - don't vacuum, if you must use a mask.
• Stay out of the vacuumed area for 1 hour.

Also - You can invest in a air filtration system - you can find these in varying prices and strengths, they really do work! In both portable versions or One installed into the duct work of your home. One example is AccuClean™ Whole Home Air Filtration System, According to their website :

Key Benefits:

• Removes over 99% of the common flu, or influenza A virus, from the filtered air in your home.
• Removes up to 99.98% of allergens from filtered air
• Catches particles even smaller than .1 micron in size
• 8 times more effective than the best HEPA room appliance
• 100 times more effective than a standard 1" throwaway filter or ionic-type room appliance
• Delivers cleaner air, and more of it
• Reusable filter is easy to vacuum or wash

See more info here: http://www.americanstandardair.com/HomeOwner/Products/AirCleaners/AccuClean.aspx


Links to Further Your Allergy Knowledge:

• Allergy Treatment Begins At Home
• How can people with allergies ideally control the air quality and climate in their homes?
• Worst Cities for Spring Allergies
• The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
• Drug Allergies- All you Need to Know about Allergic Reactions to Medicines
• Allergies and Intolerances
• Asthma in Children
• Allergy Sufferers, Allergy Triggers at Home
• Asthma/Allergy Childcare Setting Quiz
• allergies a-z list
• Allergy Center - MayoClinic.com
• Allergies to Pets | The Humane Society of the United States
• Seasonal Allergies , Allergy Relief, Pollen Forecast - weather.com
• Allergy Discussion Group, Prevention, Self-Care, Mutual Help

I have reason to believe I have food allergies also , and later I will going to an allergist for the first time and most likely go through a series of allergy tests. Since this is a food blog I wanted to highlight the dangers of food related allergens. I am a mom and I am amazed that not more parents are aware of food sensitivities and the symptoms.



Food Allergens - A Growing Trend

In the last twenty years, the US has seen an epidemic increase in allergies, asthma, ADHD and autism, including a:

400% increase in food allergies

300% increase in asthma, with a 56% increase in asthma deaths

400% increase in ADHD

Between a 1,500 and 6,000% increase in autism.

The male/female ratio for food allergies is 2:1

An increase in the number of people with Celiac's Disease (a wheat allergy).

See more info here.

Signs of Food Allergy

Food allergy symptoms can range from mild to life threatening and may include:

• hives
• itching
• rash (eczema)
• behavioral/temper changes
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or eyes
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• cramps
• itching and tightness of throat
• difficulty breathing (asthma)
• wheezing
• in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that often includes swelling of the face, lips, mouth and throat and it can lead to a drop in blood pressure, shock and unconsciousness. If not treated immediately with epinephrine, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

Links to improve Food Allergy Knowledge:

• Defining Food Allergies
• Recommended Food Allergy Resources From AllergyKids.com
• New Ways to Fight Nut, Milk Allergies
• The Food Allergy Initiative
• Food Allergy Awareness, Support and Training
• AllergyFree Passport - How to Eat Out with Food Allergies
• Robyn O'Brien on Food Allergy Kids & Advice for Parents
• Food Allergy
• allergies a-z list
• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
• Food allergy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• Ask the Dietitian - by Joanne Larsen MS RD LD - Allergies (Food)
• US FDA/CFSAN - Food Allergies Rare but Risky
• Grocery Shopping for a Food Allergic Child: tips for success

Hopefully these links will help someone take control of the allergies that are plaguing them or a family member. Educating yourself should always be the first step to controlling any condition.